Electron microscopic study of the toxicological effects of sodium fluoride on lungs of adult albino rats

ABSTRACT

Since sodium fluoride [NaF] is implicated in the acute respiratory failure, the toxic effects of NaF ingestion on lung tissues were investigated. This experimental study was conducted on 40 adult albino rats. Experimental fluorosis was induced by daily oral administration of 18 mg/kg NaF for three successive months to twenty rats, while the other twenty rats were served as reference group with no medication. Electron microscopic study of the lung revealed injury of type I and II pneumocytes, haemorrhage, increase collagen fibers and apoptotic changes in alveolar macrophages in the form of fragmentation of nuclei. It was concluded that prolonged fluoride ingestion damages pulmonary tissues of rats